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- Staff Accountant
Description
The Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining the financial health of the University by managing, analyzing, and reporting on financial activities. This individual will ensure accuracy in accounting, support audits, and provide financial insights to support decision-making processes. They will also ensure compliance with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Financial Reporting:
- Maintain the general ledger and reconcile accounts regularly.
- Generate reports for various departments, administrators, and regulatory agencies.
- Financial Analysis:
- Provide financial analysis and interpretation of data for use in strategic decision-making.
- Conduct variance analysis and prepare financial forecasts.
- Review financial systems and procedures, recommending updates as necessary.
- System Management:
- Use financial software systems to track and manage institutional finances.
- Provide support and training to staff on accounting software and processes.
- Budgeting:
- Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the institution’s budget.
- Provide analysis and forecasts to support decision-making.
- Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and provide variance analysis.
- Audit and Compliance:
- Assist with audits, ensuring financial data is accurate and accessible.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal, state, and local regulations, and financial aid regulations.
- Maintain financial documentation for auditing purposes.
- Accounts Payable/Receivable and Payroll:
- Reconcile discrepancies in accounts payable and receivable records.
- Financial Aid:
- Process transmittals and postings to student accounts while maintaining refunds and restrictions on accounts.
- Reconcile discrepancies in all types of federal and private student aid.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with department heads, administration, and other key stakeholders to support financial planning and operations.
- Assist in the preparation of financial presentations for board meetings or executive leadership.
- All other duties as assigned by the Comptroller and/or Vice President of Financial Affairs.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, grant management, and regulatory requirements for higher education institutions.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Desired:
- A master’s degree or CPA certification is preferred.
- One year or greater of educational accounting knowledge is preferred.
- Knowledgeable in accounting software (Colleague).
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation, including information obtained from social media and other internet sources.
Application Instructions
To Apply: When you select "Apply Now," you will be prompted to provide the following:
- Cover Letter.
- A current resume or CV.
- Transcripts of all college work. Unofficial transcripts will suffice for application. Official transcripts must be submitted immediately upon employment.
- Email and phone number of three professional references. Reference letters may be requested later.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of West Alabama does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, hearing status, personal appearance, color, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.
AA/EO Employer.
Minority applications encouraged.
